The Duke Of Marlborough
The Duke Of Marlborough descritpion
The 19th-century Duke Hotel is located on the waterfront, overlooking the stunning Bay of Islands. It features a guest lounge, restaurant and bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Situated in Russell town centre, The Duke of Marlborough is just 4 minutes’ walk from Russell Museum and the historic Pompallier House. Paihia is a 40-minute drive away.
The rooms feature modern décor with a traditional twist. Each room includes a refrigerator and satellite TV. Some rooms offer a private balcony and bay views.
The Duke’s restaurant offers a range of New Zealand favourites, including locally caught seafood. An extensive list of local wines is available at the waterfront House Bar.
Guests can relax in the cosy lounge, which features a fireplace. Local activities include dolphin watching, swimming and fishing. The hotel can arrange dry cleaning and luggage storage upon request.
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Facilities of The Duke Of Marlborough
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Tennis Court
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Baggage Storage | Laundry | Dry Cleaning | Fax/Photocopying | VIP Room Facilities
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating
Reviews for The Duke Of Marlborough
Review 1：We had one of the small bedrooms, which we found a bit too compact, the bathroom was tiny with a very small sink, and no room to put toiletries etc, but it was very clean.
Review 2：Great location, comfortable and friendly hotel. Lovely food and friendly and helpful staff.
Review 3：Bar closes a little bit too early at night (22.30h). Some delay on the eggs I ordered for breakfast...
Review 4：Location. Just in front of the harbour. The staff were rally nice and always there to help you. The ambience. You can tell is a traditional place. Restaurant is great and they've got excellence service.
Review 5：The breakfast included in the price was disappointing given the room rate, cooked as standard or a better choice of Continental is required as a minimum, there weren't any pastries available or ham and cheese (traditional in a Continental in Europe) and the coffee was undrinkable.
Review 6：Lovely clean room with a great shower and comfortable bed
Review 7：Ideal Location,we had great weather which helped.We had a studio room which was adequate for our overnight stay.It was clean and tidy.The shower was great with plenty of water pressure. A good breakfast on the verandah capped a wonderful weekend at the Duke.
Review 8：The waitress at dinner was quite flustered, it took her quite sometime to attend to us, after 40 minutes we had to ask for menu then had to say we were ready to order
Review 9：Location ambience, and beauty of hotel also restaurant menu and front of house staff were fabulous
Review 10：Absolutely fantastic! Best place I have ever stayed at - wake to the sound of waves rolling gently to shore, enjoy a continental breakfast and go exploring!
Review 11：Stunning location. Staff very helpful and chatty. Great to hear/ read about the history of the hotel. Simple but clean room. Great food, wine and company while watching the sunset.........what more could you want.
Review 12：Bathroom is tired and needs an update to equal the price of the room. Breakfast selection was "not up there" with most places we stay.
Review 13：location, the welcome at reception, the view from room and spotlessly clean room, food, wine list. Also came back following week for Mother's 90th birthday with 17 guests and food & service was great. Ma had a lovely night and wanted to return for lunch the next week. Thank you all.
Review 14：thought the pillows were very uncomfortable had a very very small bathroom/toilet
Review 15：think the venue is world class staff efficient and lovely food and service excellent Amazing top quality cooked breakfast
Review 16：One of the reception staff is not very friendly.when we arrived.
Review 17：The staffs of restaurant are all very good and helpful. The bed is very comfortable and clean.
Review 18：No opening window in the room and no curtain or blind in the bathroom.
Review 19：It is the most amazing buildin in Russell, just love it and always wanted to stay there. Food and service was amazing.
Review 20：A bit of noise as wrote above. The town is really small, so there is nothing to do apart from cruises.
Review 21：It is in the centre of the little town, just in front of the see; few meters from the warf. The building was built in at the end of the 19th century, so it it mainly made of wood, wich is really romantic but also a bit noisy early in the morning when housekeepers start their duties. The restaurant is fantastic.
Review 22：The location is delightful, right on the water. Our room could not have been better; beautifully appointed overlooking the water. I would go back there again. The hotel restaurant was excellent - great food and service.
Review 23：The food, the staff, the ambience, nothing was too much trouble, great service despite Christmas parties and a wedding while we were there. Just perfect.
Review 24：Excellent position right on the water. Came with a great breakfast which we weren't expecting in the price. Evening restaurant was superb with a comprehensive menu and the most friendly and helpful staff.
Review 25：Very welcoming service, great food, very comfortable. I would rate it as high as it gets. It has a story, it has ambience, it has a great menu and the sound of gentle water lapping the shore is a bonus. I'm going back there again, definitely.
Review 26：Booked a room for four for dinner and expected to be in the dining room , not on a draughty terrace. Arrived at Breakfast room and stood for some time waiting for attendant. Were left to work out for ourselves the ritual and where to sit. Not the usual service for a top class hotel!
Review 27：I thought the price was over the top for what we got. The furniture and placement could have made the unit more workable.
Review 28：The restaurant is always lovely, and friendly staff. Bed was very comfortable.
Review 29：Great Location, ambiance, historic building. Good amenities.Staff worked really hard and well during Rugby World Cup Final in the very early morning. Good on them!
Review 30：Cannot think of anything that we didn't like.
Review 31：The location couldn't of been better. It was so convenient being within a minutes walk from the ferry wharf.
Review 32：The bathrooms could perhaps use an update but were perfectly comfortable.
Review 33：Beautiful hotel, fantastic restaurant and lovely rooms. The location also can't be beaten.
Review 34：Service was terrible at the restaurant
Review 35：Our room was gorgeous! Very clean, bed was sooooo comfy and the view was to die for. So quiet, brilliant place to stay
Review 36：The party that went on next door until 4am the next morning - not condusive to the peaceful stay we had hoped for.
Review 37：Decor, food, staff, general ambience, beautiful and historic setting.
Review 38：Lack of parking when i arrived as I had to park quite away down the street and lug our bags to the hotel. The bathroom in room 21 lacked good night lighting, only 1 Led down light, it needs at least 1 more.
Review 39：I liked the traditional surroundings of the Duke it made you feel welcome from the minute you walked in the front door. Next time and there most definitely will be a next time I want a room at the front like room 5 or 7, when one of the cleaners show me them I knew straight away I have to have one next time.
Review 40：The bungalow is overpriced at $245. While it may accommodate up to 4-5 people, the decor is a jumble of furniture similar to what you'd find at a local secondhand store, and much of it arranged haphazardly. The owners need to either lower the price or update the rooms.
Review 41：The Duke of Marlborough is right on the foreshore. You can enjoy a drink or meal on the veranda while watching the sunset.
Review 42：The facilities were minimal. The bed was not comfortable. The dinner was ok, but prepared by a cook, not a chef. The breakfast was the worst hotel breakfast I have had in my life.
Review 43：The location was great. Right beside the water. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Review 44：The ensuite had a pungent/chemical smell that was overwhelming at times. The pillows were too high.
Review 45：The complimentary breakfast was lovely with home made fruit salad and homemade jam options, presentation and service was great
Review 46：Air conditioner in room a bit noisy ,and something else, ? Downstairs air con coming on frequently all night, tended to wake us up. We turned ours off, the 2nd night.
Review 47：Friendly staff. Warm comfortable lounge/dining room . Loved the fire on a cold wet afternoon and evening. Excellent food..
Review 48：In times to come the rooms will need to be refurbished just to make them alittle more plusher. I did miss my bed not having electric blanket I think that is a must, in the winter months especially.
Review 49：We love the fact that for us Russell is only a 30 minute drive from home, yet when you stay here it feels like you are a million miles away from all your troubles. It is truly a piece of paradise on our very doorstep. Love the way the history is still alive and kicking everywhere you look within the Duke. Such a friendly atmosphere with all the staff we dealt with. We will be back for another weekend break for sure.
Review 50：Staff were courteous and efficient. They were friendly and engaging with knowledge of the area. The quality of the food was high and I would recommend this spot to others.
Review 51：only short two day stay great location right on pier boats coming and going. great bar in hotel for sitting in on wintery days/nights restaurant has large log fireplace great atmosphere.
Review 52：The room was so welcoming nothing spared those little extra details all count, great interior designer a cross between shabby chic and sea but just the colour scheme and quality fittings just made us sigh a breath of relaxation. Excellent to sit in the window and watch the boats sail by drinking complimentary plunger coffee and eating complimentary biscuits! Wow!!
Review 53：Reception staff not particularly receptive upon arrival. Bathroom not overly clean. Restaurant could not provide choice of main meal for three of four guests. Incorrect telephone numbers in compendium for local eating facilities.
Review 54：Locality. Centralisation within the Northland Region. Amenities outside the hotel.
Review 55：Nothing....
Review 56：The room had a French style interior which was very appealing. The double bed my daughter and I shared and the single bed my best friend slept in were very, very comfortable. We had dinner later in The Duke restaurant and the food, eye fillets and lamb were exquisite so please keep this Chef. Also, we had access to a sun deck from our room, but unfortunately the weather was not on our side. All in all a wonderful stay even if it was short.
Review 57：Had to ask for things I shouldn't have had to - like topping up the cheese at breakfast and extra blankets. No big deal and staff happy to oblige but at 240+ per night felt like I shouldn't have had to.
Review 58：Great location and really comfortable. Fab character and charm, friendly staff, yummy dinners!
Review 59：The balcony is more of a shared terrace and is not worth the extra cost. The bathroom is quite cold (but the room is very well heated).
Review 60：The decor and the dinner at the restaurant.
Review 61：Great hotel. The staff were just fantastic. Quality of the service and food in the restaurant was a lovely surprise... Unbelievably good. Great rooms, views and the perfect spot to explore the area.
Review 62：We had great view off the rooms balcony, which turned on lovely sunset. Thought price wise was a little steep but ambience of the Duke and Russell in general awesome, lovely and peaceful, birdsong. Very refreshing
Review 63：Water view rooms are very noisy. Needed a bit of art on the walls. Decor very dated in the bathrooms. Showers take a while to heat and occasionally went cold without warning then hot again. Fridge in the wardrobe was weird. Internet a little unreliable.
Review 64：Location is excellent. Very good staff. Gluten free breakfast provided on request. View was spectacular but came with downfall (see what I didn't like). Warm and cosy, good heating. Big bath.
Review 65：Lovely spacious room and bathroom. Prompt room service. Incredible food and service. We did not need nor want to eat our meals anywhere else. Location location location.
Review 66：Breakfast was a bit of a disappointment - continental style is OK, but would have preferred a cooked option, especially in the winter months.
Review 67：Beautiful position with heaps of character. The room was spacious, very clean and the staff were excellent.
Review 68：Room was very small. Fortunately we aren't two large individuals. Very clean however.
Review 69：Oozing charm in character. Lovely dining room, deck and fireplace we spent much of our time in.
Review 70：There were two; first, when we came back late in the afternoon we were disappointed to see that our room had not been made up, even though we left to go out about 1000 that day. When I went to the front desk to complain, I was told that the cleaning lady, had gone home for the day! So the front desk lady said she would do it, it seemed reluctantly. Second I was totally amazed to see a dog in the restaurant this was in the fully enclosed plastic deck. When I complained, I was told it was a wet night and the patron was a regular! Next I saw the dog owner's wife putting the remainder of her plate of food on the floor, for the dog to lick!! I also complained about that was well and I said that plate should be thrown away. Question, how long has this been going on for:- letting the dog eat off the patron's hotel plate!
Review 71：The building itself and of course the location is so wonderful.
Review 72：Liked everything - But Loved the Tomahawk Steak in the restaurant - In fact we came back to Russell so that we could go back to the restaurant and have it a second time!
Review 73：Not soundproof rooms, could hear music from downstairs. For a hotel of this calibre and cost would have expected 3 ply toilet paper not 1 ply !!
Review 74：We attended a wedding at the hotel so stayed the night. Great day and this hotel in the perfect location overlooking the sea. Full of character.
Review 75：Excellent food on outdoor deck looking over peaceful bay. Lovely interior. Historic Russell itself is a delight and although we stayed 3 nights we were reluctant to leave.
Review 76：The breakfast layout ,the buffet style is not flowing, with people trying to pass each other for drinks & toasting bread. Just needs setting out in an "L" shape rather than a square.
Review 77：Large rooms beautiful decor, old colonial style. Lovely bar & breakfast room, outside verandah dining with great food. A good feel place with a great view!!
Review 78：My room unfortunately was above fans, and what felt like the back entrance for cleaning and bottle drops.
Review 79：Location is superb, the food is excellent and you can't fault the front of house staff
Review 80：We could only book small room, which is too small for 2 people with luggage. The breakfast is average- cereals and toast and nothing freshly cooked. Feels like its needs some work doing, especially corridor area that need redecorating
Review 81：Location is excellent in centre of Russell. And its nice to stay in hotel with the history that its has. Staff very helpful, especially receptionist .
Review 82：Some random noise (like moving furniture ) at 5.30 in morning woke us - groans !!!! Staff were very apologetic and discounted our stay sufficiently .
Review 83：Lovely location & setting
Review 84：Not great value for money and a very small room with a small ensuite shower. Everything worked but for what you pay you should get more, preferably some space
Review 85：Good staff, great location, excellent food but a bit pricey. Very pleasant atmosphere and a good place to stay but worth paying extra for a good room.
Review 86：We were unable to eat in the restaurant on the night we arrived due to a wedding in progress. The bedroom was very basic and furnished with cheap furnishings. The wifi was so restricted as to be almost not worth having and difficult to use. Would not stay here again.
Review 87：Located right on the waterfront
Review 88：Someone else had a key to our room as door was opened as far as chain lock would allow. Somewhat concerning. Advised reception and response was very good and offered to not charge for the accommodation which was very graceful.
Review 89：Room was clean and well appointed but on the small side. However access to an "in substance" shared courtyard with screens was welcome. City view comprised door to courtyard.Good TV and wifi reception.
Review 90：Having to leave!
Review 91：We loved the history of the hotel, the dining facilities, the atmosphere and of course the location - right on the beautiful bay. We had a very large room with access to a sunny terrace.
Review 92：Dining tables showing evidence of wear and tear; tables need reglossing and polishing. Continental breakfast pretty meagre. Our (side) double room was tiny and basic compared to hotels we've stayed in world-wide for the price. Handbasin plumbing plug drainer apparently not connected, meaning handbasin could not be drained, but staff later explained that a push-down plug was installed instead. Staff later apologized for this omission in information, so why not place a note in the bathroom for this?
Review 93：The front-side location; popular for evening imbibers only - apparently. Stayed here 7 years ago.
Review 94：For older persons, a male to help carry bags upstairs, a small bag trolley on the first floor would be great. Not all elderly are super fit.
Review 95：Very relaxing, with great service
Review 96：The breakfast offering should be improved. No problem with it being simple but it needs to be raised a notch.
Review 97：Fantastic location in the bay at Russell and ideal for the ferry pier. Dinner or drinks on the verandah is a must do. The oldest hotel/pub on NZ should not be missed.
Review 98：WIFI continually timed out having to re-sign in
Review 99：We enjoyed a wonderful 3 nights at this grand old hotel. The staff were outstanding. Very good continental breakfasts included enjoyed outside on the deck with the million dollar view. Highly recommended
Review 100：The restaurant was very busy and we did not believe we received the service we expected.
Review 101：The view from the restaurant is superb. The room was clean with nice linen and towels and the Hotel had all the facilities we required. The menu in the restaurant was also very inviting.
Review 102：Fridge vibrated with the box it was sitting in, had to turn off it was loud. Three channels tuned in, not the normal sky. I emailed in regarding the above, no response.
Review 103：The air con was great, tidy room. Location was great,
Review 104：The hotel is very charming with great decor as well as very comfortable and the food is excellent. The deck is great in the evenings for a sunset drink and meal and both nights they had live music. Russell is also a very charming town and the bay of islands is gorgeous. Would definitely recommend a trip here!
Review 105：An attractive spacious living room with kitchenette, bedroom and large bathroom with a vast jacuzzi bath. The small front garden with chairs and table and parasol for your exclusive use give you a view over the pretty boat pontoon and beach. The location is stunning and the restaurant food excellent. A wonderful position to grab a cruise around the bay of islands (50 yards and your on a boat). Perfect.
Review 106：Room was so tiny we had to keep our suitcase in the car! Wifi didn't work, sink so small water splashed everywhere, dated shower....
Review 107：Lovely to be in a historic hotel right on the water.
Review 108：Staff very very poor, and all seemed new and inexperienced seasonal workers from different countries,not what you would expect from top Russel Hotel, Early closing of doors during mid summer/bar and front door closed at 10:pm every night, Parking area small
Review 109：Location Decoration Ambiance
Review 110：I thought it was expensive for what we got - room was lovely, but I've stayed in better for less money. Menu prices were very expensive - lovely food, but very pricey
Review 111：Lovely old hotel, historic, great dining room staff, lovely views, good breakfast (included in the room price).
Review 112：The fact we didn't stay longer.
Review 113：Fantastic location, right on the water front, overlooking the jetty. Staff very friendly and helpful. Room was very spacious and well set out.
Review 114：Food was a tad disappointing for such a wonderful establishment. we were for Xmas dinner and the buffet was surprisingly disappointing particularly for the price
Review 115：Wonderful Location,beautiful room, comfy bed overall great experience in a must stay hotel.
Review 116：The wifi was very touch and go but at other than that no complaints at all.
Review 117：We loved the old colonial charm of the building and it's wonderful waterside location. The room was very comfortable and the view across the water was stunning. We would highly recommend a room with sea view.
Review 118：Our lovely room looked out over the Bay of Islands and across to Paihia. The food (and the local wines) was excellent and the location was stunning and peaceful!
Review 119：*Couldn't connect to the Wi-Fi :( Followed instructions and a connection was found, but it was extremely slow.
Review 120：*Food was amazing! *Room was good! Very spacious and welcoming. *Loved how they kept the history of the building in place and displayed pictures from around the region, especially all the old and historic ones!
Review 121：No extractor fan (or toilet spray) in the ensuite.Wait staff in the restaurant were friendly and helpful,but poorly managed/lacking in systems...we had 4 waitresses wait our table,with a lot of overlap and communication breakdown between them.everything else was top notch.
Review 122：Helpful reception staff, rooms either have an external view out, or a partitioned area of the internal deck making the rooms light and feel larger. oysters at the restaurant amazing.
Review 123：Room and bathroom very tired. Restaurant service very poor but in fairness to the hotel they made a very fair adjustment for that....
Review 124：Good location, nice traditional building
Review 125：Bedrooms without a sea view don't have a window... Just a glass door in the corner opening onto some shared decking. Continental breakfast is poor... 'Plastic' ham and cheese, tinned fruit and economy orange juice.
Review 126：Good restaurant food. Friendly and lively. The central location meant we never had to use the car and we were right by the water.
Review 127：The menu was great on paper but patchy in reality. The roast lamb shoulder was superb but the "12 hour slow roasted beef" was still a bit bloody (!) and tough and gristly - and was the most expensive main course on the menu. Fish was great.
Review 128：Accommodation, location, friendly and helpful staff, great pub, free WiFi - which was not offered in the other hotels we stayed in, so it was a real bonus - and the whole atmosphere of the place. It's a grand and beatiful colonial building in meticulously well-kept condition.
The Fine Print
Guests planning to arrive outside regular front desk hours are requested to inform the hotel in advance. Contact details can be found in the booking confirmation.